Family & Pets

Best Places For Families To Watch The Game In San Francisco

Families looking for a comfortable, family-friendly spot to watch the game will be happy to know there are several places they will feel welcome with the kids, while still being able to grab a beer along with good eats.

San Franciscans love their Giants, the City’s favorite baseball team, and they are crazy about their ballpark, AT&T Park, the team’s home since the park opened in 2000. With its breathtaking views overlooking San Francisco Bay, and classic yet modern design, being right there with the team as they play is a terrific way for families to watch the game together. And as food is second only to the home team winning, AT&T Park’s food concessions are right up there with San Francisco cuisine, offering a full menu of distinctive ballpark fare. Choices include seafood options such as a crab sandwich, calamari and San Francisco classic clam chowder in a bread bowl; Philly cheesesteak sandwiches; Irish Pub food; endless hot dog, bratwurst and sausage options; handmade pizza; gourmet Mexican food; California cuisine and salads; Caribbean food and tropical drinks; theater-style popcorn, Gilroy garlic fries and more. For beer drinkers, there’s not only traditional Buds but also craft beers, and California wine, arriving right at your seat via roaming wine carts. See a listing of several AT&T food concessions here.

@Cafe (pronounced At Café) is located behind the centerfield bleachers and is a gathering spot for fans during the game. Here fans can follow worldwide social media chats, tweets, Instagram photos, Facebook polls and all things social about the game, the team, coaches and everything else related to the SF Giants and MLB in general — all on a state-of-the-art 12’ x 4’ video wall. Near the Pulse Board are two 50-inch LCD screens where fans can see both batting practice and the game broadcast live without missing a hit. Fans can trade their beer for a flavorful cup of java or an espresso drink from Peet’s Coffee & Tea at the coffee bar inside. @Cafe is a neat spot for families to enjoy the game in all its social media glory. Connect with the Giants social media channels at sfgiants.com/Connect.

Public House is located onsite at AT&T Park and presents a family-friendly, sports-minded gathering place where baseball fans can cheer on the home team with like-minded folks. Known as “San Francisco’s gathering place for beer, sports and eats,” Public House offers a premium selection of sports channels, including ESPN, NFL Network, MLB Extra Innings and The Golf Channel, so you know the place is all about sports, sports and more sports. The extensive menu has several kid-approved choices such as bean and cheese burritos, cheese quesadillas, burgers and macaroni and cheese, to name a few, plus irresistible local favorite Humphry Slocombe ice cream and sorbet.

Lefty O’Doul’s, a true San Francisco institution that never changes, is a sport legend’s home and a natural hangout for sport fans. Left-handed pitcher Francis Joseph “Lefty” O’Doul, a San Francisco native, started out small time but went on to become a 1933 World Series champ, managed the San Francisco Seals and played in both the Pacific Coast League and Major League, becoming the PCL’s most successful manager ever. Credited as responsible for spreading baseball’s popularity in Japan, O’Doul is also a Japanese Baseball Hall of Famer. He opened his namesake restaurant on Geary Street in 1959 when he left baseball. The food is served hofbraus style and there is a huge full service bar where beer reigns king, but have your choice. O’Doul’s has 12 TVs scattered about the restaurant, so good viewing is almost guaranteed, plus there is a piano bar too. Bring the kids as they are more than welcome, “We always welcome the little tykes,” so there you go. Check out the “Hearty All American Food” menu here.

What exactly is The Taco Shop @ Underdogs? Identified as “The Premiere Taco Shop and Sports Bar” and “a fusion experiment combining a modern taqueria with sports,” The Taco Shop has 10 plasma TVs, so taco lovers can watch their favorite teams. This popular Sunset district sports taqueria is an enjoyable neighborhood spot for families to watch a game while having a few tacos or burritos all dressed up in novel ways: Street Style, Nick’s Way, Baja Style or create your own. Burrito options are San Francisco, Mexican, San Diego, California and Baja Style, and whenever possible, The Taco Shop sources its food from local and organic family-run ranches and farms, so everything is as fresh as can be. Beer, margaritas and wine are here for grown ups and “the soft stuff” for kids and grown ups too, so everyone is happy. Come for Taco Tuesday, 5 p.m. until closing, or happy hour, Monday to Friday from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., for $2 tacos and $2 Tecates.

Melanie Graysmith is a writer, artist and educator based in San Francisco. She writes on adult education, art and lifestyle topics, and enjoys writing short stories and poetry. She is also a member of an independent filmmaking group. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.